{Lifestyle} Leggings: Modest or Not? + POLL

I have frequently wondered about the fashion phenomenon of leggings. It seems they're here to stay, at least for a while. Are they tacky, or tasteful? (Don't forget to take our poll at the bottom!)

A year or so ago I was teaching a young women lesson about modesty. One of the Mia Maids asked if leggings were considered modest. This was only a tad awkward because there was a girl in the class wearing leggings under her miniskirt. I said something like, “When wondering if something is modest, ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if the prophet walked in the room.” I know, totally a mom answer.

The truth is, I had thought about her question quite a bit even before she brought it up. Now, with school starting and fall fashion nearly here, I want to pose the question:

Are leggings modest?

Here are my two cents. When I first saw someone wearing leggings, I laughed out loud as I had a flashback to the 80s. I remember seeing them advertised on a commercial and knowing they would be a fashion fail. Boy, was I wrong. Not only do we have leggings . . . we have jeggings.

For the few of you who don’t know what jeggings are, just picture leggings but they look like jeans—yes, gold thread, faux pockets, and all.

I have seen some leggings pulled off very tastefully. On the other hand, I have seen them pulled off, well, not so tastefully, to put it nicely. I feel very strongly that if you are going to wear leggings, you should wear something over them. They should not be used merely as pants. Those suckers are tight, and I don’t care what kind of shape you are in—they are too tight to wear in public without a layer of something over them.

I know what you are thinking: “But Ashley, they are SOOOOO comfortable!” Okay, I realize that. Yes, I own one pair of leggings. I wear them in the comforts of my own home and that is it. I really haven’t decided how I feel about them.

So, are leggings modest when you wear a shirt or dress that is a little too short with them? Are they modest when wearing a mini-skirt? I mean, if you weren’t wearing them you would be left with just a mini-skirt which isn’t modest . . . to me. What about jeggings, since that’s basically wearing leggings without anything else to help cover up? Like I said, you have to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if the prophet walked in the room.

There you have it. Chime in if you have some awesome feedback, because I would love to hear it.

--

Ashley Bardsley is a contributing writer for LDS Living. The few things she enjoys more than traveling the world as an event coordinator include making and eating cupcakes, sleeping in and watching Saved by the Bell reruns with her husband.

Do you own or wear leggings?

YesNo

Do you think leggings are modest when worn under a mini skirt or shorts that fall above the knee?

YesNoIt depends on just how short the skirt/shorts are.

Are "jeggings" modest when worn by themselves?

YesNo

Do you think the fashion trend is cute or tacky when worn to your standards?

I think that leggings to have a place - when I am riding my bike i prefer them as they don't have excess material that can get caught in chains etc (and being accident prone that is an important factor for me!) Other than that I only own one pair and I bought it to wear with a dress that while not immodest - it comes to the knee I am not comfortable wearing as a dress! I feel more comfortable with a pair of leggings (or jeans or something) under it!

"I mean, if you weren’t wearing them you would be left with just a mini-skirt which isn’t modest . . . to me."
This sounds like a giant double-standard. If girls/women in the Church weren't wearing Half-Tees under most of their shirts, they'd all be left with tank tops and bra straps.
Buying leggings just so you can wear mini skirts is a terrible idea, but it's also not the only reason people wear them.
I am a creator of a modesty blog, and I love my leggings! I will totally feature outfits that incorporate them. I'm also not afraid to go to church activities in them, because I am all grown-up and I know how to dress myself properly.

I wear leggings for bicycling and running and swimming (I am a triathlete). They work as a fashion accessory if worn with modest length skirts or shorts. I do not own any beyond my workout leggings, but I am only offended by them if they are worn with something that is too short- nothing left to the imagination!

Leggings are incredible tight, aka immodest. When I went to Ricks College in the 80's they were popular. But they were to be worn as if they were nylons with dresses being the same length as dresses were supposed to be...no shorter. As far as if they're cute or tacky? That's up to individual taste.

I served in a young women presidency where the secretary had very strong feelings against leggings. I have seen people (adults, teens, and children) wear them in both cute ways and not-so-cute ways. I always look to For the Strength of Youth to answer modesty questions. For example, it says to wear sleeves. Even though my parents allowed me to wear sleeveless tops and dresses, I choose to only buy clothes for my 7 year old and 2 year old daughters that have sleeves. I feel it's better to get in the habit and to teach them about respecting their bodies now. When it comes to church and church activities I guess it's ultimately up to the parents what their daughters wear. As far as just being at the store or out and about, we live in Texas, and I don't really judge what others are wearing.

I am from Minnesota, so I like leggings in the winter to add a layer of warmth (plus they're cute!) when wearing skirts and dresses; however, I don't wear them with skirts or dresses that I couldn't wear without them. Modesty is not just about clothes that show too much skin- it is also about clothing that is too tight. Jeggings certainly fall in this category. I had an experience when I was about 25 with a coworker. Religion came up in the conversation, and he guessed I was Mormon. I asked him how he knew, expecting the normal responses about abstaining from smoking/alcohol/swearing, but his answer surprised me. He said, "I can always spot a Mormon girl. They are kind, they dress like ladies, and they just have a glow about them." I know it's not always easy when you are a teenager and wanting to fit in, but you will be happier in the long run if you dress to please yourself and the Lord rather than people around you.

Legginbs don't really bother me. I think they are fine. However, I do not believe they should be worn at church. They are too casual for church. Besides most of the time women/girls wear leggings is because their dress/skirt is too short. I don't care if they wear a skirt/dress with leggings anywhere else, but not appropriate for church. Just like flip flops.

I don't understand where all of these comments are coming from. Leggings are not see-through like tights. They are just like wearing pants. So if someone wears them under a dress or skirt that doesn't go to the knee - then great. The only reason a skirt or dress is not modest for being short, is because it shows too much skin. With leggings, a dress or skirt is fine.

My husband and I went on a campout at a cabin with a bunch of married adults. One of the men ran around in his long underwear. I was totally embarrassed by this; it was just too revealing, so I looked away and kept away from him. When I see girls wearing leggings with really short skirts or just a shirt, I have flashbacks to that guy. Leggings, to me, are simply thicker tights. The only place that seems appropriate is in a dance studio, unless they are helping to keep your legs warm under other clothing, such as a skirt. But if it doesn't take much imagination to visualize your bottom, then modesty is being compromised.

My husband and I went on a campout at a cabin with a bunch of married adults. One of the men ran around in his long underwear. I was totally embarrassed by this; it was just too revealing, so I looked away and kept away from him. When I see girls wearing leggings with really short skirts or just a shirt, I have flashbacks to that guy. Leggings, to me, are simply thicker tights. The only place that seems appropriate is in a dance studio, unless they are helping to keep your legs warm under other clothing, such as a skirt. But if it doesn't take much imagination to visualize your bottom, then modesty is being compromised.

i was just about to say the same thing that emykatetx said. amen! and as to no flip flops in church, don't ever come to church in south florida because you would be totally appalled. my mom allowed me to wear sleeveless dresses when i was growing up and i turned out fine. served an honorable mission, married in the temple, etc... if i could look as cute as my girls do in leggins, i'd wear them too.

May I suggest applying the Strength of Youth Standards to leggings. It comes down to: Too short, or too tight? If worn as tights with a dress, the dress needs to be to the knee. If you are wearing them as pants with a top, the question becomes: What are you showing from the waist down, or rather, from the ankles up? Modesty in our culture, or the church doesn't dictate that the ankles and calves be concealed. The sillouette of a knee is not immodest. As you go above the knee,what are you revealing? Consider the fabric. Is it so lightweight and tight that you can see the seams and lines in your underwear? Whatever sort of undergarment you wear, if you can see the line, the fabric is too light and/or too tight. There are heavier leggings that while they are form-fitting, the fabric doesn't reveal every bump and seam underneath. Still, when you are revealing the upper thighs, rear, stomach and waist, whether in a skirt, an evening gown, or you mom's double knit pantsuit, you are revealing areas that modesty and good taste would require you to cover. The look is supposed to be long over lean, not skin-tight everywhere. Save that for your mime outfit.

I think that they are okay to wear to school etc. but it makes my skin crawl when I see someone wearing them to church on Sunday. I don't think that is appropriate. It looks like they are is wearing pants to church.

I teach 8 yr ols in primary and some of them wear leggings under short dressed. I think leggings are cute but my problem comes not from the leggings but how they act when they wear them. When these girls wear their leggings they act as if they are wearing pants to church. They are not as reverent and they sit immodestly. I have to remind them thay they are girls and should sit more modestly when they are "covered". Coverage is a huge part of modesty but so is how you act. Maybe they should not be "sunday dress" if they contribute to irreverent and sloppy behavior. Save them for school days.

"Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, TIGHT CLOTHING, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back OR REVEALING IN ANY OTHER MANNER."

I am not a big fan of leggings myself (probably because I don't have the legs to wear them). However, I have no problem with other people wearing them. They look really cute on the young girls especially. I do have a big problem when they wear to them church. I feel that they are far too casual and they give the impression that they are wearing pants to church. It really bothers me. My children will often say to me, " But so in so can wear jeans with his white shirt & tie." or "But so in so can wear tennis shoes with church clothes". This is always my reply, " We won't wear about so in so. That may be his/her Sunday best and if it is that it is just fine. But you have dress shoes and dress pants that were purchashed just for church. Therefore, that is your Sunday best. We should always wear the best of what we have when worshipping the Lord." I feel that leggings belong at school or hanging out with friends, a trip to the mall & so on. Not at church or the temple.

Amen annetaylor.
To pds: My mom would totally agree with you! Flip flops and I'm sure, leggings, are way too casual for church for her. Also: shirts tucked in without belts. And white socks with dark pants. These peeves she has now instilled in me!
As far as the leggings issue...I see way too many really tight skirts worn to church (by teens) that are worn for one reason: to get others to look at you and admire your figure. you may be proud of it. But realize it is making boys/men look at you in a wrong way and to possibly have impure thoughts. It makes the women who don't have your perfect shape (sometimes due to their own activity/eating habits, and sometimes not) to feel bad about themselves. No, that is not your fault. Yes they should all be able to control their thoughts.
But are you making it easier? Are you tempting others to sin?
The same goes for wearing costly apparel and fine jewelry. Why are you wearing it? To show you are rich? To show everyone how chic and beautiful and stylish you are? That is pride my friend.
The word "modest" covers a great deal more than clothes that cover where your garments are/will be. It's a mentality as well.
Once when I was a teenager in line for a roller coaster, there were some teenage girls dressed in short shorts and tank tops. They were rather rambunctious. A guy in line, when he was next to them asked a girl, "hey, how much?" Acting as though he believed she was for sale. (you know what I mean). She was offended. But did she not wear those clothes so others would look at her? Notice her body? What are you saying with your clothes?

pds - I'm sorry that you feel that are inappropriate for church. I used to live in a city where most people do not own cars, and in order to get to church, I took a bus for 40 minutes and then had to walk 2 miles. I and other women who traveled to church with me often wear leggings in the winter under our skirts (which are certainly not too short) to keep warm. We also had to wear boots rather than cute little high heels because of the snow. Not everyone in the church is so priviledged that they do not have to account for weather conditions when they dress for Sunday meetings.

Leggings are not great, but they are ok in some cases. I prefer that they not be worn to church. But really, leggings are not the worst problem we have. At church, many of the women and girls wear their clothes skin tight. I suppose they figure that as long as they are covered, it should be ok if their clothes are so tight that you can see the outline of their body hair. The panty lines are awful. The worst part is the overweight ladies. I know where they got their last Big Mac...I don't want to know where it went. (I have a weight problem too, but I don't inflict every lump and bump of it on anyone's sensitive eyes.) And yes, I know about agency, and I know I shouldn't judge, but...I should be able to feel secure that at church my son and my husband don't have to be exposed to such things. So, leggings...some of them are not as tight as the dresses...

Personally, I love leggings/jeggings and I wear them a lot. But I always wear them with long shirts or tunics--my backside is covered. I am a small, physically fit person with no "muffin tops". I think leggings/Jeggings begin to cross the line into immodesty when bulges are exposed. I don't wear them to church on Sunday under dresses, because to me, that would be like wearing pants to church. I also don't care for the spaghetti strap or halter top look under or over a tee shirt. I believe spaghetti straps and halter tops should be avoided all together. I don't think they are flattering to anyone, no matter how they are worn.

Our girls are not allowed to wear a dress that's higher than their knee's. We can try to spin it anyway we wish, but we all know the only reason for wearing a dress higher than your knees serves only one purpose. Also, our girls younger than 10 are not allowed to wear a dress without leggins underneath it. It's not for fashion or mini skirts in anyway. But I'm going to be brutely honest with you all. Skirts and dresses, even pass the knees, can be very immodest for girls under 10, if their bottoms are not covered underneath. They don't know enough to keep their legs down, and if they are playing on playground equipment other boys can go underneath and see everything. I personally have witnessed this many times being a teacher. And another thing, I'm tired of sitting in Primary, and all the little girls are playing around, sitting in their seats, and doing flips, and underwear and everything is showing, and everyone can see it, and we don't want to. I'm sorry, but not my girls. If they are going to wear a skirt or dress they need to have long leggings in the winter for modesty and warmth and capri leggings in the summer for modesty and hotter weather. Mom's and Dad's cover up you little girls, don't let them be the child in primary with their "hoo-hoo" hanging out. Yuck!

I have one dress that a family member got me (they aren't LDS but knew that I needed dresses for church) that I wear with leggings because it does come a little high off of the knee. Living where I do (San Francisco area) finding stores that consistently sell modest attire that isn't overpriced, out of stock, and fits properly on me doesn't happen often, so whatever I have, I make due with and do my best to keep it clean.
Personally, I don't see anything wrong with wearing leggings, even if it is to make up for missing inches on a dress. To me, it is no different than wearing a camisole under a shirt that is low-cut of a t-shirt under a dress with no sleeves; it's a modification to an article of clothing to make it more modest.

"Dress and Appearance," For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, (2001) “Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire.”.......'nuff said!!!!

My stake president husband told me this a couple of months ago, "If you ever talk to the Young Women, tell them that it doesn't matter what color leggings are: boys and men 'see' right through them because they are skin tight." Jeggings are absolutely the worst because a top isn't worn over to the knee.

I found some leggings that had lace at the bottom of the. I paired them with a dress for my girls. My kids need them under skirts or dresses. Younger girls just don't understand the concept of sitting modestly when wearing dresses or skirts. They also look cute with baby doll style shirts. I don't wear them but my girls do. I don't know if I would be comfortable wearing them without a skirt over them. I think they are cute when paired with a cute outfit.

Who cares what anyone's opinion is??? so many people on here and all seem to be neglecting one thing. Has anyone consulted the words of the prophets or For The Strength of Youth? If it is TIGHT it is NOT MODEST! I have seen a myriad of magazines/catalogs with "modest clothing" for LDS girls that is anything but! Longish tops that do not bare a girls midriff are great, but if I can see the color & style of your bra and know whether it is well or ill fitting... um... time to think, ladies! Think of this as well: When Adam & Eve were in the garden and were ASHAMED and HID THEMSELVES, what they did to hide their nakedness was not modest enough, even in their shame! God made them clothing with which to cover themselves properly! As for the question of if it is OK to wear leggings under shorts cut above the knee... Why are shorts above the knee suddenly acceptable??? Because a company supposedly representing the needs of LDS girls in Salt Lake City says they are? No... again... please start to consult the words of the prophet, I know it isn't a big deal to most people, but after recently joining the church I have seen it time & time again... Our church has the LOWEST standards of any church I have belonged to as far as music, tv and modesty. I hear a lot about agency here, but remember, agency is there to help us chose the right, not let us live just like everyone else! Just saw you saying the same things, valwiggs!!! Thanks!!! Well said!!!

I am a grandmother and have never owned leggings. I do, however, think they are cute on younger people. I have a new daughter-in- law that is very tall. We do not live in the "Bubble"-ie;Utah. Therefore, we do not have stores that specialize in Modest Clothing. My daughter-in-law -before she married my son-often wore leggings to church to insure that she was modestly covered. Finding Knee-length clothing was a challenge. After her Temple marriage it became even more of a challenge. So, she wears leggings and she looks adorable and modest at all times. I also have a granddaughter that is a cheerleader. She wears legging with her uniform and the coach understands why. I think too many people are being too judgemental here today. We had a lady that was a member of our ward that wore beautiful designer Pants Suits to church. She was well over 6 feet tall and looked like a million dollars in her Pants Suits. She said that she could order these- but had trouble finding dresses that were modest and could be used for work and church. It is, after all, our free agency to wear what we feel is appropriate. The women of the church have suffered an image problem for years. The sisters seemed to equate modesty with sloppy, tacky or what ever. So, wear what you are comfortable with and what you feel is within the spirit of modesty.

cm007... Are you saying because you look good and are fit, you are more modest than someone who is chubby? Your body is a temptation to men... period! Many men do not like trim, fit girls, but chubby ones... bodies are bodies, standards are standards. You are not exempt because you think you are more attractive in them... even if it were true that you were more attractive, the more of a temptation you are, the more you need to dress down so as not to be a temptation to others... right???

I agree with most of the comments. We have been given correct principles, and we should dress ourselves and our children accordingly. Leggings can be really cute on some, but they should be worn with something that makes the entire outfit modest and not too tight and revealing. And while I also agree that they are a bit casual for Sunday church, I think we need to be careful about judging. As said before, we don't know the individual circumstances, and sometimes newer members need time to grow in knowledge about these principles. If we are critical about their appearance, rather than welcoming, we might hurt their feelings and drive them away. I'm always so happy to see folks at church that I don't worry too much about what they're wearing. Personally, I would never wear leggings - I think I'm too old and my legs don't look that good - but on others than can be really cute if worn with the right dress over them.

Leggings are completely tacky in any setting, but PARTICULARLY in a church setting. My daughters do not wear them, I do not wear them. They look like something from an old "Boy George" video, and have absolutely no class whatsoever. Ditto to the comment above from "For the Strength of Youth." Trends such as this come and go--in the 80s it was tube tops worn under other things--some women seem to think a little cleavage hanging out is ok too--or that strapless dresses are ok for Prom--sometimes it's difficult to find modest clothing, but you CAN find modest, stylish items--you might have to put forth greater effort, but it's worth it and mom sets the example....the example for YW should begin AT BIRTH not when they're 12--you've already lost the fight if you introduce modesty at that age after letting your girls wear tank tops and bikinis as young girls....so far so good--our oldest child is in her 20s, and has chosen to obey the council of the Prophet, she's a great example to her younger siblings. You have to teach appropriate clothing choices from the time a kid is born....kids have free agency and while some kids may rebel, they will have been taught what's right--leggings are certainly not a sin, but they certainly are not the best option available, and do not present the best first impression. Note--leggings are sure not on the clothing list for Sis. missionaries, which might be a good example to follow now that the Sis. missionaries have had COLOR/PATTERNS added to their approved attire and are dressing with a more approachable, appealing style than in the past, thankfully!

I don't have a problem with leggings EXCEPT for when I see women/girls wear them to church IN PLACE of tights or nylons. They are not a replacement. Here's why:
1) If you are wearing leggings underneath a skirt that is too short, you are insinuating that it's okay because the leggings are "pants", not tights (i.e. would you wear that same skirt with only tights? No.)
and therefore, if you are insinuating that the leggings are pants and that is why it's okay to wear the short skirt, then:
2) You are therefore wearing pants to church.
So in my eyes, I see a lot of women wearing casual pants to church. Leggings are not tights. They are pants.

As a mother of 2 young girls (6 & 7) I struggle to find modest clothing for them a lot. I walk through Walmart/Kmart/similarly priced stores and see racks and racks of mini skirts, spagetti strap dresses/tops. I feel that undershirts, and leggings are the best option to modify what the world deems appropriate into what we as LDS church goers deem appropriate. I look for the longest hemlines, and the most modest of the options out there, but I don't hesitate to add an undershirt or leggings to convert an outfit from Not-quite as modest as I would like to Yup, church worthy.

I worry we spend far too much time in the church on these “Mormon Hobbies”, we worry so much about what everyone else is doing. I personally think leggings are fine and if anything help me to be MORE modest. And yes, I would feel just fine wearing them if the Prophet walked in the room. But, if you feel like they are immodest that is just fine - YOU don’t wear them, YOU teach your daughters not to wear them. Let’s STOP worrying about everyone else!!!!! There is a reason every decision we are to make in this life isn’t laid out in black and white for us.

I am sorry but legging that I have seen in church are covering up the fact that they wanted to wear a too short outfit, I am sorry I try to look away because it brings back my inappropriate way of dressing as a teen and believe me I pushed the limits way too far. I did it because I thought I had a cute body and wanted to show it off, the boys loved it, need I say more. Women and girls have forgotten that modesty includes your body type, you should dress to compliment your body type not just wear it because it is fashionable, I saw a bill board in Orem Utah it was advertising Undertease for those long undershirts that for some reason people wear over their other clothes, need I say more, I believe that most people wearing leggings other than for sports are being tease's is this what Heavenly Father wants? The trend in fashion and unfortunately in church is to wear too tight of clothes, I am tired of seeing nipples when someone gives a talk on Sunday, this is not modest and gives a very wrong message, I don't think the men or young men are thinking of what that woman or young woman is saying they are thinking of nipples end of discussion

I am glad this isnt a website most non members read. To hear everyone with their strong opinins about leggings is facsinating. I think if not worn alone, they axtually help women be more modest, aloe us to wear more types of things ie. Tunics and cotteny skirts (that stick to my garments and ride up), as well. Anyone reading this log would think it heresy to wear pants to church. Please let's judge wisely (and less if you can't ). We live in 2011 where women are doctors and lawyers and business owners. No one ever said a nice business suit/pants isn't appropriate. I know 2 women in our ward who wear pants regularly and they are much more "respectful" then some of the short skirt or tight to the hilt wearers and in my opinion just as respectful as the rest. When I worked in nursery I wore nice suit pants because I was getting on the floor with kids and I felt that skirts were making it impossible to help, clean up, and play. Thanks for listening and I hope people understand that pants, dressy ones, ARE "Sunday best" for many.

True to the Faith says, "Revealing and sexually suggestive clothing, which includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing... can stimulate desires and actions that violate the Lord's law of chastity". If your leggings are just as tight as your pants then I think you should reassess your other pants as well. I do not feel they are just like tights because tights are sheer. I also think leggings are very cute. But a mini-skirt is immodest and tight leggings revealing every curve to your leg from there down is a bit too much. With that said, I am not strict with the skirt has to be to your knee, end of story. My parents have set the standard for me and my siblings. If the dress is "almost" to the knee (within an inch or two) we are allowed to use leggings to make it modest. I personally am endowed and like the fact that when I wear leggings underneath my dress I don't have to worry about if my skirt will come up an inch to show my garments when I sit. So I feel people can make their own standards as far as what is too short, but they are not, in and of themselves very modest at all. I feel modesty is all about respecting your body and presenting it in a way that guys won't disrespect you. They will then be attracted to you for more than just how pretty you are. Revealing clothing gets you attention, but the wrong type of attention from the right guys and also the wrong guys. Being modest is a girl's first step to finding their happy ending with a true Prince Charming.

I just wanted to follow up by saying that I realize there are plenty of women who wear pants to church because they need to coming from a job, or because it really is their sunday best. I was not referring to that. I'm referring to women and teens who have plenty of dresses in their closet to wear, but choose to wear a mini skirt with leggings underneath in place of tights or nylons - which therefore make it (to me) look like they are just wearing pants to church. Leggings are not tights. They are "pants". It's great that they can make little girls dresses more modest - I think that is great. But for teens and grown women, I sometimes think leggings are an excuse to get away with a short skirt that they normally wouldn't wear with just nylons or tights.

Leggings may have a place, I for one do not like them. But they are completely inappropriate for church. They give off the appearance of pants and causal dress. Where is the respect for the meetings we are attending. If you want to wear leggins, fine, just not to church.

I could kiss you, thinkinglady. I wish I had the guts to wear pants to church and I whole heartedly support any woman who does. Pants can be just as appropriate as dresses/skirts, and in many cases even more so!
BTW- the argument that dressing immodestly leads other people to sin has always made my skin crawl. This kind of thinking is inherently hostile to women and toxic to girls.
As for leggings? Meh.

I think that leggings are appropriate for church if they are worn with a skirt that goes to the knee or longer. It can be cute depending on the leggings and skirt. Skin tight and form fitting clothes are immodest because even though you can't see skin, they leave little to the imagination and could arouse men instead of attacting them for the right reason, which is looking like a lady and letting your virtue shine as a daughter of God. You don't want represent yourself as your parent's daughter,Christ's sister,or Heavenly Father's daughter by looking trashy.

Honestly these responses are absolutely ridiculous.
a) If men are tempted by looking at me, that is their problem, not mine. I will dress modestly, but their "temptation" is their problem. If they are "aroused" by looking at me, then they are turning me into an object. Men are responsible for their own thoughts, not me.
b) How about you mind your own business about what others wear to church instead of judging others on what they wear?
c) I think leggings are fine as long as the booty is covered. No one throws a fit about wearing a tight white shade shirt under a halter top (which looks much tackier). Not a fan of jeggings. I wear leggings on occasion for shorter dresses and I think I look great.
d) I think it's absolutely fine for women to wear nice pants to church. The fact that it's even remotely controversial in 2011 is sort of pathetic. Pants often look nicer than the denim skirts so many women love.

Off of the leggings for a sec: aaronterry, I'm not cool with your "arousing men" statement. Even though I dress very modestly, I have a gaggle of ganders following me around with their tongues hanging out of their mouths AT CHURCH, because I'm considered "the hot girl." I'm not about to show up on Sundays in a burka just because you boys don't know how to control yourselves. Take a cold shower and read your scriptures.

Too tight also is immodest. Leggings by themselves are immodest.
Cute fashion, but not cute on women who compete with their daughters. Looks cheap.
And I definitely don't think they belong at church. Toooo trendy and like flip-flops, way to casual.

I just took my daughter to BYU a few weeks ago. They had an event explaining the honor code, and in no uncertain terms explained that mini skirts with leggings underneath are still immodest and against BYU's honor code. That's enough for me!

Sorry ladies but leggings are pants, not nylons. I am so disappointed when our YW or Primary leaders where them to church--what a poor example!!! Church dress means formal dress--as President Oaks said 'dress for sacrament meeting as you would dress for the temple' Pants are not appropriate at the temple. Anything too tight is also inappropriate, justifying your behavior because someone else wears something you disapprove of doesn't make your decision right.

when leggings came out in the 80's and 90's i was not thrilled with that style. my youngest daughter wore them with church dresses and i didn't like that look. jeaggings are awful also. no matter how thin a girl is it looks bad. they are tights with no feet. hence they are not modest wearing under a miniskirt which isn't modest or under a long shirt or under a to short church dress. leggings/jeaggings are not modest and look cheap.
when we are not modesty then we need to consider as the author of this article stated (which i have always used and taught) could you wear this comfortably with our leadership, savior in the room ?
also ladies this is NOT temple attire either as is flip flops are NOT temple attire and tight dresses no matter how high the neck is tight is NOT MODEST. PERIOD. wear pantyhose to church and to attend a temple.

Tights are fine in my opinion. Like all clothing, they have their time and place. I would never wear them to church on Sunday or to the temple. I would however (and do), wear them to mutual. Being tall, a lot of dresses don't hit me at my knee. Having tights to wear under dresses that are a couple inches to short is awesome! It's just a part of the outfit, whether you think they're cute or not, is a matter of personal opinion.
I think that as long as the top layer covers your butt plus some, tights are fine. Worn alone, no way! They are tights, not pants.
They're just another way to stay modest.

We should remember the one reason we attend church on Sunday. It is to partake of the sacrament. The most reverent and respectful way to do this is in the "uniform" of a disciple of Christ. We have been given the "For the Strength of Youth" and other forms of counsel so that we can be best prepared to partake of this one important event each week. The "uniform" has always been, "Sunday Best" which I believe means the best that YOU have and that which is best for YOUR climate and health.
When my Dad lay dying in his hospital bed at home, he always wore what was appropiate for the event. My daughter was confirmed while sitting on the edge of his hospital bed. And even though it took hours of work and effort, my Dad had on a white dress shirt and clip on tie with his legs tucked securely under his bedding. When my nephew recieved his Eagle award in my dad's room, my dad again had on his Scout shirt, because that is the proper "uniform" for the event. Was it easy on him, or my Mom to dress him, no. But he understood the proper "uniform" for the event he was a part of. He passed away about 1 month later. But leaves his lasting testimony and examople in our hearts and in the lives of the Grandchildren, who he showed the way to, even as he was dying.

Why is it that a one piece swimsuit at a church swim party is modest, but leggings under a skirt are not? Have we become so ingrained in our church "hobbies" that we have completely forgotten what is the true doctrine of individual modesty? Modesty is the outward expression of an inner commitment to the Savior. It is has nothing to do with what "young boys are thinking" or if the top your arm is covered. A young lady can be just as modest in a swim suit at the ward party or a tennis outfit at the high school tennis match as they can in their Sunday best. A young man's virtue and purity should be just as safe whether a girl walks in with a snowsuit, bikini, or nothing at all, and it is offensive and false doctrine to preach that young men don't have control so girls need to dress appropriately. It's called "personal accountability" and it is what all of us fought for in the war in heaven. Reread that wonderful, inspired pamphlet, "For the Strength of Youth" and don't input your own personal feelings between the lines. By the way, BYU and the BYU honor code are not doctrines of the Church. You can be worthy to enter into a Temple of God and not be "worthy" (according to the honor code) to take a test at BYU.
Remember the words of Joseph F. Smith, "Brethren and sisters, don’t have [religious] hobbies. Hobbies are dangerous in the Church of Christ. They are dangerous because they give undue prominence to certain principles or ideas to the detriment and dwarfing of others just as important, just as binding, just as saving as the favored doctrines or commandments."

The reason why I dress modesty is not because it "causes" men to sin. I dress modestly because I am a daughter of God. The way I show respect to my body, a gift from him, and respect to Heavenly Father is by dressing modestly. When I go to church, I try to dress the best way possible because I literally presenting myself to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of my sins. Heavenly Father has set the rules for what to wear in the Strength of Youth pamphlet. It says no short skirts/shorts and no tight clothing. I don't care if people wear leggings under knee length skirts. But I would never feel comfortable in the presence of Heavenly Father if I wore a short skit with leggings. It's still tight and revealing. Even if you aren't showing skin. Because modesty is much more than just showing skin or covering up.
I know a lot of people use the reason that they have a hard time finding modest clothing. Well I live far out away from Utah in an area where they mostly stock clothes that are immodest and popular to some ethic groups here. But I don't have problems finding modest clothing. Yes, I take a while to look. But sometimes that means I go for a while without buying a new piece of clothing.
I know that dressing modestly is important to Heavenly Father. In 1 Nephi 3:7 it says that God will help us in all the commandments he has given us. I have been able to find modest clothing when I need it. Not only that, but I usually find it on sale too. I also have been able to learn how to sew and alter clothing to make it more modest. It does take some work on my part, but I know I am modest.

Haha, there is definitely a lot of interesting commentary going on here. In my personal opinion, as a recommend-holding and legging-wearing YSA, the discussion of whether or not wearing leggings is appropriate, is really determined by how the individual in question wears their clothing. Leggings are totally appropriate when paired with a long tunic and boots or flats, and are an appropriate amount of thickness. If you can't see your garments, and you're covered up, where is the problem here? We are supposed to be modest and attractive women... not be clothed in burqas, last I checked.
Women: we can be classy, modest, AND sexy. I can't help but laugh when people use the adage, "Boys might have uncontrollable feelings if girls dress THIS way!" Haha, if the men that surround us are having uncontrollable urges and we are justifying it, especially in this way, we have a lot more problems than a girl coming to church wearing a questionable length skirt and some leggings underneath.

Saying that seeing people wear leggings "makes your skin crawl" says that you are insecure about your standards in the church. If you truly know that Heavenly Father is happy with the way you are living your life, you would know that he's thrilled when people even go to church and he couldn't care less what they're wearing. We're told that we should dress our best when we're in His house and everyone's "best" has a different connotation. There shouldn't be this much argument about it because feeling that strongly that something is immodest, so much that it "makes your skin crawl", is judging people extremely harsh, and we should't even judge people at all.

It should be my choice whether or not to wear leggings, and no one else's, and it is not my business whether my neighbor down the street is wearing them. Dress so YOU feel comfortable, modest, and at peace with your choice.
My own opinion is that leggings themselves are neither immodest or modest, but how and when you wear them should inform your decision on whether you are being modest or not.
Personally, I consider them a fashion accessory. So, if I am already wearing a skirt outfit that would be appropriate without them, and they are like a "backup" for modesty should I bend over or should a stiff wind blow past, then I feel okay wearing them. If, on the other hand, they are the main event instead of the skirt, then I probably wouldn't wear them to church. But in general, some people look more modest in them than others, and some outfits look more modest with them than others, and it's no one's business but my own whether I have decided to wear them or not.

In my opinion, leggings should NOT be worn at church. We are to wear our "Sunday best" at church, and face it, leggings are pants not tights. I don't really mind them worn other places as long as they are under something (not to be worn by themselves so we can see every nook and cranny of your rear end). But I do think it should be more of a child's wardrobe, not part of an adult wardrobe. One comment was they had to walk to church and they were worn for warmth. Where I live, UTAH, we don't and they are just worn as a fashion statement. Church should not be a fashion show. That includes flip flops too! Are those REALLY the nicest shoes you have or do they just "go" with the casual attire you are wearing? I’m not saying you need to wear formal attire to church. I'm irritated at the fact that people refer to Utah as a "bubble", like there are no problems here and no diversity. I don't understand why the comment was made that since you "don't live in the "bubble" i.e. Utah" that you can't find modest, inexpensive clothing. I was born and raised in Southern California and have been clothed modestly all my life with 7 other siblings! Money was always tight.

Maybe some people on here are judging others, but I think many are not. We're just expressing our opinions. If you wear leggings to my ward tomorrow I'm not going to look at you and think anything negative. If anything, I'll think that I wouldn't wear leggings, but I definitely would not treat you differently because of it. There was a question asked, are leggings modest? And the answer is mixed. There are appropriate ways to wear them. And just like the question before you go to the temple "Do you believe you are worthy to enter the Temple?" it's up to each of us to decide what is appropriate. If we try to force our opinion of what is right on anything that is not doctrinally supported with specifics we will lose our friends. Any and all suggestions must be made out of love and concern for the individual. But in the end they decide what to do or wear or say. We must love everyone as they are. No matter what they are wearing. Or saying. Or doing. This article was just a question. And the answer is only clear to each of us. Maybe because of this discussion someone will rethink how they dress and change for the better. Or perhaps they become more confident in their choices of clothing now. but regardless of what they do, it doesn't matter!

Those of you that are mocking the fact that boys AND men have uncontrollable thoughts that pop in their heads when they see women dressed immodestly, need to reevaluate their thinking. It is the “natural man” that has these thoughts, and it is their spirit that has to work REAL hard to control that thought and get it out of their mind. I have a 4 year old that saw a magazine (it was right at his eye level) at the checkout line at Wal-Mart, of a girl in a bikini. He said, “I like looking at her”. That was not coming from a sick, perverted teen or man! That was coming from my 4 year old!! He also told me after a family party, that he liked his aunt’s shirt; she was wearing a tank top! So don’t tell me that anyone that has those thoughts needs to just control themselves! We, as women, need to help these males by not dressing in a manner that would put those thoughts in their heads in the first place.

For the Strength of Youth is the guideline period. You read it and let the spirit direct you in your modesty.
OB1 your comments about YM/YW are false. They both need help from each other to keep their thoughts and actions in accordance to the commandments. Yes they have their agency and YM/YW will tell you that how they dress does have an effect on how they think, it goes both ways, and it is not false doctrine its the truth. YM will say it helps when our YW dress appropriately, and vice-versa.

Two things regarding leggings:
First, I think there's some confusion at play when people picture what "leggings" are. I've seen at least two different types, not counting "jeggings". One type is made exclusively of Spandex, which I think are the type referred to when commenters have been mentioning "tights without feet". The other type are primarily made of cotton knit, with some Spandex blended. Someone referring to the winter cold and the need to stay warm under a dress was probably referring to these types. Could the range of opinions shown on this page have something to do with which type are pictured in one's mind when the word "leggings" is mentioned? Most likely. If you have commented "for" or "against" leggings, which ones were you picturing when you wrote your comment? Now picture the other type and see if you feel the same way. Might be the same, might not...but I do think it's a factor for many.
As for my personal opinion, I think of it this way... there are leggings for men. I picture a man wearing the same thing, and make my judgment based on how MY thoughts would run. Considering this, I have never yet seen a man in leggings where I didn't feel uncomfortable looking, and embarrassed to be in view of him, much less in his company.
Since viewing someone of the opposite sex in leggings makes me so uncomfortable (yes, it makes me wonder what he's trying to prove or where he's trying to focus attention, even if that makes me "judgemental, as some have suggested)I avoid wearing leggings myself, as I refuse to hold men to a higher standard of thought and action than myself. Call it the Golden Rule effect, if you like...I don't want to see men in leggings, so I don't put myself in them either.

Also, to those who complain that they have a hard time "finding modest clothes" as an excuse to wear leggings (rather than just saying they think they are fine the way they are), I would point you to this wonderful invention called the Internet, that you are using right now to read this post. Clothing is available to buy online nowadays, just like back in the mail order days, fancy that! lol
(If you don't feel something is wrong, then why are you trying to come up with excuses?)

What happened to "in the world, but not OF the world?" Wearing leggings to make a mini-skirt "modest" is trying to be worldly in a "Mormon" way. Since when are skin-tight anythings "modest?" I put it, fashion-wise, in the same category as having liquor glasses in the house to use with "non-alcoholic" sparkling grape juice. Avoiding the very appearance of evil? Nope, just imitating it. To see girls in mini-skirts and leggings in Sacrament Meeting is SOOOOOOOO inappropriate!

I love it when pretty girls wear leggings I admit with some guilt. I think some girls can look really good in them. That being said, I don't think LDS girls should wear them because it does not go along with the strength of youth. That came from the prophet and we should heed his advice.

this conversation is amazing. i created a login JUST so i could comment. i've never read every comment on a thread before so congrats, everyone!
first, to everyone arguing that "leggings are pants"—you're killing your argument that leggings are not ok with short skirts, shirts, etc. i mean, if i were to wear a dress over a pair of pants i doubt anyone would think twice about it. that was a pretty hot look at BYU circa 2005. leggings are NOT tights, they are NOT pants, they are, well, leggings. i'm repeating lots of the other commenters when i say that there are different weights of leggings—my own leggings are heavy enough that i wear them with garments (calf-length garments are great for this—no lines!) and (gasp!) a skirt that goes above my knees (not mini-skirt short though). i feel okay wearing this outfit. i personally wouldn't wear leggings out in public as pants, because, as mentioned earlier, they're not pants. and—i live in a wonderful ward in an area that many of these commenters might refer to as "the mission field," where there are many lovely, professional women who wear pants to church. again, not something that i would do, but they do it in the spirit of reverence and not to be in anyone's face about it. in fact, i ran into one of those pant-wearing women in the temple dressing room. she was well-groomed, reverent, and modest, and was looking forward to serving with our other ward members in the temple that day.
also, to everyone saying they're not okay for church—i remember when my mom was the YW president and there were some new members among us who didn't have the best options for dressing at church because they didn't come from families who had a lot of money to buy new church clothes. i don't remember their clothing being offensive at all, but my mom's loving example will always stick with me. instead of pointing fingers at the girls and telling them what they SHOULD be wearing, we just had a mutual activity where we all learned to sew a simple knee length skirt to wear to church. thanks, mom, for being a loving example to these girls and to me, instead of griping about how inappropriate their clothing was.

artvandalay, you got me there. i'm 26 years old and i haven't read it in a while. if they are against the strength of the youth pamphlet, there are going to be a lot of busy bishops in the next few years.

also—repeating someone else's comment—byu's honor code is not church modesty standards. if this were the case, there would be fewer bearded mormon men and no knee-length shorts on our mormon moms (the second a reference to BYU-I's baffling honor code).

also also—i don't like your tone, artvandalay. i'm a temple recommend-holding member of the church and i feel perfectly comfortable in my sartorial choices. go pull the beam out of your eye on someone else's thread.

ok, sorry, last comment then i'm leaving—i don't feel comfortable seeing men in dresses, per se, but that doesn't mean that i'm going to stop wearing dresses. i mean, that's essentially what the "men don't wear leggings so i don't" argument is.

"A young man's virtue and purity should be just as safe whether a girl walks in with a snowsuit, bikini, or nothing at all, and it is offensive and false doctrine to preach that young men don't have control so girls need to dress appropriately."
ob1, your logic doesn't hold water. I wonder if you believe it yourself. We're following "false doctrine"? All the prophets have cautioned young women against dressing provocatively. Of course a young man is responsible for his behavior regardless of the situation, but there's a reason for these cautions. These forces are powerful. We're responsible to love our neighbors, and that includes not knowingly or thoughtlessly enticing one of them into impure thoughts or actions.
You quoted Joseph F. Smith, a prophet I love and have read very much about, applying his words to us on the premise that we're engaged in a "gospel hobby". A gospel hobby means focusing on one aspect of the gospel to the near exclusion of the others. That's not what is occurring here. We're concerned with real issues that have eternal consequences for our children.
I don't believe the true reason leggings are so popular has been mentioned up until now. Until the young women understand a couple of realities, many will continue to wear leggings with mini-skirts. I'm going to choose my words carefully, but I'm not going to shy away from telling the truth as I see it.
First, I'll state what is obvious to many: mini-skirts, in and of themselves, are unflattering at best. When you add in the constant "tugging" that occurs after the wearer sits down, it becomes comical, and very awkward, for everyone present.
2. Leggings are popular because they are made to add symmetry, and thus attractiveness, to a woman's legs.
3. When leggings are worn with a mini-skirt, far from adding modesty, it is a combination that has the effect of "directing" the eyes as well as thoughts where neither belong. The "puffy" mini-skirts make it worse still. I don't know how to say it more delicately than that.
If you are a parent who allows their daughter to wear leggings with a mini-skirt, in the belief that the leggings make the mini-skirt modest, please consider what I and others have said, and reconsider the wisdom in allowing it. Someday they'll be grateful for the times you said "No".

I may have missed a comment or two, but I've not hear of anyone speak about the SPIRIT OF THE LAW and the LETTER OF THE LAW. The two must not forsake each other, but they also must not replace each other.
If all a person has is a pair of leggins with a tunic top, and that's their best, then is it immodest to attend church in it? What would Jesus say? I bet He'd say no.
If a person is a middle class American, with enough money to support themselves and their family, and they CAN buy a $10 decent/modest dress from Walmart, then it is immodest for them to show up at Church in leggins and a tunic? What would Jesus say? I bet He'd say yes.
Do the best we can, with what we've got.
No excuses. No justifications. No worrying about what others think.
That being said, I love to be judgmental: I know several wealthy families in our ward where the girls and the mothers wear clothes that are impossible to wear unless you have your garments pinned/tucked/rolled/or off altogether. SKIN TIGHT tops and skirts and short short skirts where the Bishopric was embarrassed to even look the young woman giving the talk. It was more than obvious that they were looking AWAY. I know all these people personally and have for over 11 years. Great people. All of them. But what's up with immodesty? Then I see on facebook strapless, sleeveless, and cleave showing/enhancing tops, bikini bottoms that would show "hair" if they hadn't shaved, and I'm wondering: what part of "modest" did you not "get" when the prophet spoke and when you read For The Strength of Youth?
My son and my husband are embarrassed when they see some of the stuff these young women wear. AND NO ONE SAYS ANYTHING. WHY? I guess because of that little thing called "free agency". The Church leaders, the Prophet, and the Lord COUNSEL, but do not FORCE.
So... when others are being so blatantly obvious that they are breaking the counsel the Lord has given us, then it is up to us to do our best and NOT pass final judgement. Judgment? Yes. We are commanded to judge "righteously'. But "final" judgment? Now. That is the Lord's alone.
So, my challenge to all of us is this: the next time we see immodesty amongst the ranks, square up your shoulders and recommit to being an even STRONGER example of modesty, and extend the hand of friendship to all.
What would Jesus do/say?

I'm with Hanner on this one. I think there is a couple double standards going on here. I've seen many a mormon girls and mom's wearing skinny jeans and let's be honest these are hardly different from jeggings. The material may be thicker, but they are often just as tight. The other thing I want to mention is just how popular it is these days for mormon mom's to wear strapless or spaghetti strap dresses with a tee under it. Is this not the same concept as wearing leggings under a skirt? Many are saying if it's immodest without something underneath, it's still immodest with something under it, but I'm positive there are many of these same people who wear the tee under the dress. Either way, everyone has their own personal choice to make and we are not here to judge whether their choice is modest or not. It's okay to have a poll and see what people think about something, but there are a lot of harsh unecessary comments being made.

Oh my, those of you who think leggings are not modest ,really have to get a life. I'm a mother of a 13yr old daughter and she wants to where them. She wheres leggings with her cute skirts that are not short.So what do i have to complain about. Yes there are girls that are to over weight that want to where leggings. THat is nasty and very disturbing. I really bekieve that we as mothers have to worry about more important things.

I read many of these comments this am and found the majority of them to be appalling. Some of us have daughters over 5'10" that might have a skirt an inch or two too short that certainly looks better worn with a pair of leggings underneath. Not everyone lives in Utah where longer skirts and dresses are readily available. As a former Young Women's President, I would much rather have the girls come to church in a short skirt or flip flops, or heaven forbid both, than not come at all. Now serving in a Stake leadership role, it has come to my attention that there are women attending church in pants in my Stake. My answer- aren't we all daughters of God, no matter what we are wearing? I can't see the Savior turning anyone away because in his opinion, they weren't dressed properly!

It is so interesting to see the comments. Too many times we are so worried about "Judging Others" and being politically correct that we are willing to let ourselves stray into gray areas and feel justified in our actions. Pants or leggings (tights are what little girls wear before they wear nylons--women's tights are footed) should NOT be worn to church. It doesn't matter if the pantsuit is "stylish." If you have to walk or ride the bus to church, change in the bathroom when you get there. I taught several very poor people on my mission who did not own a dress. Perhaps they did wear pants for a few weeks but we taught them 'the proper order of things' and they always borrowed a dress or got one from a second-hand store. If you are wearing leggings because you are worried about a skirt showing your rear-end when you bend over perhaps the skirt is too short to begin with! I don't have a problem with leggings--as long as they are not worn to church, not skin tight and worn with a skirt that reaches the knee. I live in Utah and have a hard time finding modest dresses of appropriate length for me and my teenage daughter (if you don't live here please don't assume you know how it is) so I either order on-line or sew something. I too am a former Young Women's President and carefully taught, from the words of the prophets, what was appropriate for church. Then I let the girls govern themselves and loved them for who they are. These are not "hobbies" read Elder Holland's talks, read For the Strength of Youth, read Elder Uchtdorf's talk, read Elder Oak's talk and follow the guidelines. I believe our efforts should be to lift one another as we all strive to closely follow the words of the prophets.

We should definitely not be wearing them to church. They are casual clothes and even if we do wear them at home there is dress sense to be followed. If your skirt is too short and u are wearing tights then rather give away the skirt to someone who is the right size to be wearing them. Mothers are examples for their kids. By reading the comments I will also say if you have a genuine problem and not just following fashion trends then an exception can be made as long as it does not become church uniform when other one owns other modest clothes. I would advise sister to help those who do not own appropriate sunday clothes. maybe u have items you can lovingly give them. Let us be each other strengths

BYU's EFY program states clearly that leggings do not extend the length of a dress. I can understand wearing them for warmth. I can understand wearing them for workouts, but I can not understand wearing them to church or the temple. They are not appropriate Sunday attire!

In my ward here in the "bubble" I have seen active ward members come to sacrament meeting in flip flops, leggings with mini skirts(..in which have flipped up and we have been exposed to rear ends), no shoes at all, and even swimming suits...yes, I said swimming suits in sacrament meeting! I feel that as members of the church we have a resposibility to uphold a certain standard and not become too lax in our Sunday worship (and that includes the temple). We need to do as President Hinckley counseled: to do a little better...to try a little harder. When our leaders/apostles counsel on modesty are they being judgemental? No! We have a responsiblity to show up on Sunday, dressed in a spirit of reverence and worship. Our example shows to everyone around us. How we dress is an outward example of each individuals personal testimony. Reach a little higher!

How many of you are Utah Mormons? Do you know what a bad wrap you have in the rest of the church? I'm from Utah myself and I love Utah but I would never want to raise my children their. I was sad to read his article and also sad by a lot of the coments. So often I hear and read members of the church forgetting the lessons taught to us in the new testament by the Savior in his encounters with the Pharisis. We forget the meaning and importance of the gospel and being Christlike. It's not our right to judge others unrightously. This seems to be one of those categories to me. If you don't feel comfortable in leggings don't wear them. If you do go for it. Seriously love, charity and kindness are things we need to focus on not what other people are wearing! So many people leave the church or want nothing to do with it because of the members and their attitudes towards others choices. We need to support each other not tear people down because they wear "leggings". Do we know the intent of everyone's heart? Personally I feel that if I am covering up to be modest and to keep my body sacred, to please my Heavenly Father and myself the spirit will be my guide.

mothernut and oracle if you are right then we have already lost -- there is no hope for our youth. My children attended a high school in San Antonio, TX with 4000 students -- 22 of them were LDS. 2000 girls at the high school dressed in a way that they felt was appropriate for the heat -- in other words, they didn't follow the counsel in "For the Strength of Youth". The boys of our stake that attended that high school were exposed daily to short shorts, tank tops, and tight clothing worn by the girls. Can you imagine what would have happened to those boys if they actually believed the false doctrine that they have no control of their thoughts??!! That is the doctrine of the world, what TV shows would have you believe. It is one of Satan's greatest lies, and yet we in the church not only accept it, we teach it to our YW. So our young women are learning that those who hold the holy priesthood of God can not control their thoughts -- pretty difficult to honor priesthood holders that way. And no wonder porn is such a problem in the church -- our young men have heard over and over again that they can't control their thoughts, so soon they start to believe it. They learn that if they see the top of a girl's arm their thoughts will lead them to hell. Sorry, but we are a minority on this planet which means that bare arms are prevalent -- particularly when not in Utah. The lesson that the boys should hear over and over again is that they are sons of God who have the authority to act in the name of God. They are recipients of the Gift of the Holy Ghost and have the light of Christ. Their thoughts are their own and can be controlled and should be controlled. Which means that a YM's virtue and purity should be just as safe whether a girl at their high school is wearing short shorts and tank top, a snowsuit, or nothing at all! Teach the girls that dressing modestly is their personal expression of their love for the Savior and you'll find that those girls will dress modestly. Tell them that they need to dress modestly so the boys will go on missions and fewer and fewer girls will comply -- instead they lose respect for the boys and wonder why girls are responsible for boys thoughts and actions. But when both the YM and YW are taught that they have "STRENGTH" to do what is right, they will be a force for greatness in the church and the world as they outgrow all of us in spirituality. We need to help them unleash their potential, not feed them Satan's doctrine that they are worthless and not able to meet the standards of the gospel. I say this from experience as a father of both boys and girls, all grown-up, return missionaries, and married in the temple, as well from experience as a bishop and member of a stake presidency.

One more quick example. At a stake youth dance outside on an island a young women who had been less active showed up wearing a shirt that was not tight, but it did not have sleeves -- not a tank top, just one without sleeves. The stake YW president would not let her into the dance. As YW president came up to us other adults, she told us how she sent this girl home to get a new shirt on and then she said, "can you imagine if we let her in and the Savior was here?" A very wise man then asked this YW president, "would the Savior have sent her home?"

to ob1: Youth are often made aware of the standard of dress prior to an event like a dance. With that being said, a standard needs to be upheld. We talk so much about not being judgemental, but actually in calling someone judgemental we are just that! Youth are expected to dress a certain way for school or get sent home and the same should apply to standards for youth dances. This can be done in a very tasteful way.I have watched it happen at EFY when someone was invited to change their apparel. This girl was invited to return to the dance dressed according to the standard...she was not sent away. The Savior teaches to love everyone, but we don't have to lower our standards. A great example of this is when he made the money changers leave the temple. Was he being judgemental? No! He was respecting His Father's house!

I've read a number of comments and agree with a few of them. Having been a dance manager and having to turn away both young woman and young men on their attire broke my heart but we always refered to their dance cards and For the Strength of Youth. In the dance cards it says not to wear tight and revealing clothing among other things as well. We determined as a group of dance managers that leggings fall under that category and that we would treat leggings (whether thick or thin cloth) as more like nylons/tights. If a youth were to wear them they had to wear something that came to the knee or lower. It was an uphill battle because a lot of young women wanted to wear them as just pants. We would then refer them to the "tight and revealing clothing" part of the dance card. What I thought was quite ironic was that the majority of these young women had brought another pair of pants or a longer skirt to wear with them. I truly believe that the prophet, who we all know is guided by our Heavenly Father, has brought down these standards for a reason. We want our youth to be strong in the Gospel and know that there are standards in every aspect of this wonderful religion. One comment that I have remembered from an old friend who was Young Women president in our ward, "We have to be mindful of clothing that brings the appearance of modesty." We need to be an example and show it in our dress as well.

Texas is on the right trac.
If all you have to do in your life is look and judge what others are wearing, then holy cow! "You must be one of the lucky few on this earth."
Life is too short and there are so many more important things too worry about in life than leggings, with or without a knee length dress. Styles and trends come and go so fast as does youth. "Teach a man correct principles and let him govern himself" Joseph Smith.
I also think that youth today need more adults to be advocates for them than judges of them.
My oldest is now 37 and my youngest is 14 and 27 grandchildren ranging from 19 down to 1. All of them good honest people and teaching their children correct principles.
Hard times will affect us all soon enough and we'll all wish we had a pair of leggings. :)
It's hard not to judge I understand, I am too quick myself at times. But the one who is to judge, He is a fair and loving Father. Thank goodness! Turn the cheek and love all our Father's children. We as Latter Day SAINTS should proclaim peace, starting at home, our wards, and abroad.

Can you imagine the tongue-wagging that must have been happening around the turn of the 20th century as dress lengths rose above the ankle?? Did we cave into worldly standards by raising our hemlines then? If so, should we revert back to ankle-length hems again? Just something to think about...

This thread has reminded me why I detest Relief Soceity.
@Momw,
The judgement people are referring to is statements like "making my skin crawl". Of course there are times where certain pieces of clothing are not appropriate. When someone is place in a position of authority then yes, they can judge and decided what clothing is or isn't right for the event. Other that, no judging should happen. If I wore leggings to church and someone felt that they needed to educate me, I would tell them to mind their own business.
And to the people that chimed in that it makes boys think bad thoughts. Newsflash, everything makes boys think bad thoughts. Stop making women and girls be the guardians of male virtue. Focusing that modesty is lines of the body instead of the total package of behavior, the idea that girls are the guardians, sexualizes our daughters just as much as a revealing outfit does.
If someone wears pants (which women are allowed to wear to church, doesn't matter if you are coming from work or not), leggings, flip flops, or a lip disk, just be joyful that they came at all, that they are there to worship and learn. Don't fixate on what they are wearing. Don't tut-tut that they must not follow the prophet, or are too causal , or must not have ever read FSofY booklet.
We as women need to stop tearing each other apart.

You know, I'm really tall and sometimes the dresses are "just" above the knee for me. I feel if I put on leggings, they are acceptable. But, the leggings can't be see through. I don't where anything that would be extreme, and find they are super comfortable. I never wear them as pants, only under something that some people would wear as a dress anyway.

I grew up in the 70's. I have always thought that leggings were tacky--especially if worn alone or with a skirt. I have one pair that I wear when it's really cold outside. And if I wear them to church, nobody will see them because my skirt and my boots will keep them covered. I was raised by older parents whose standards were old-fashioned--that this happened to be the same as Church standards was almost a coincidence since I didn't go to church when I was small. I was taught that to be dressed up, especially for church, you wore hose with your dress. Leggings look to me like you wanted to wear pants but knew you should wear a skirt so you compromized since leggings fit like hose. They just look tacky to me. As to wearing them with miniskirts, the skirt shouldn't be worn in the first place if it's too short and wearing leggings with a short skirt doesn't make the outfit look better or make the skirt longer. I don't want to see your underwear when you bend over in front of where I'm sitting so if your wearing leggings prevents that, then I guess they're modest.

I think leggings are ok if you are wearing them under a short skirt etc... But I do not think they are appropriate attire for church. When we attend church we should do so in an appropriate manner. We teach our children that church is a place that we need to wear our best clothes. Our girls have church dresses/skirts and ones for everyday. I think leggings are kind of like pants-which I do not allow my girls to wear in the chapel. I think it is a matter of respect.

Well, I haven't read all the comments, but quite a few. As for "tight" my bras and nylons are just as tight as the leggings I sometimes choose to wear around the house or for casual errands....should I stop wearing those too? Everybody's lives, budgets, circumstances, weather, knowledge etc. are different. Remember, the Lord looketh on the heart.

Leggings - such strong opinions. Here's one more: I use leggings instead of pantyhose. My feet get hot in shoes. I think a cute pair of leggings that peep under a 3 or 4 tiered skirt is very cute. My skirts hit mid-calf. I dress for comfort due to age and my level of fitness. I like the leggings with a bit of lace. I feel dressed up and I am wearing my best, no matter how funky or different I look. I applaud the mothers whose daughters are taught to wear them under their clothes. Most don't wear 'short skirts'. I even like the t-shirt under the spaghetti strap gowns - hurrah for the bravery of the girls wearing them, basically telling clothing manufacturers that they have standards and they won't show the skin the dress demanded! Girls are becoming more modest by including leggings in their wardrobe. They are covering up. Jeggings? Ladies, please, wear a tunic with it. Very VERY few of us are fit enough to wear those out and if you have ANY cellulite, you aren't hiding it with Jeggings. Choose for yourself, however. I'm for leggings under skirts.

I only wear leggings (spandex pants, right?) to [non-contact] dance class, with a large, long t-shirt over a sports bra. I am a convert and I asked my Bishop if I had to wear my Temple garments while doing this kind of sweaty exercise and he said no. But that is the only place I wear them. I won't even get out of the car and stop at the store when dressed like that. I have seen much worse things than leggings at Church, but I think the women who dress "inappropriately" (based on my knowledge of Church standards), are not in a position to buy new clothes just for Church. They are usually new to the Church and have not yet learned everything. Many of them don't have money for clothes. To everyone who wants Church standards to change to fit your particular lifestyle, I say shame on you. The Church should not change its standards just because it is 2011. Gospel principles are eternal, and I think the words of our Prophets are, too.

Let me put a differnt twist on this conversation. From a male's perspective, we judge LDS women by what they wear sometimes, even before we get to know them. Leggins, tights, whatever you call them, we don't care. If you're wearing a skirt that's too short even though you're wearing leggings, that turns us off. We understand if you wear them in the winter under a "long enough" skirt. We understand that some women wear them because they might have a skin condition or are sensitive to the sun. It's the same with tops that are cut too low.

Well, we'd hate to turn you "off", Jeffh. Truly, this is a different twist on the conversation: instead of taking about a woman's relationship with the Lord, we are now talking about a woman's relationship with you.

The biggest problem is they think they are "covered" when they wear them and they sit immodestly. I don't think they look dressy enough for church and I don't think they look flattering. They make skinny legs look too skinny and heavy legs look too heavy. "Monkey see, monkey do!"

I read some previous comments and I agree with many of them like Texas, swimmer, annetaylor, ob1 and some others. I'm the only member in my family- including my extended family, so I don't have a mother/grandmother to help me out with what's appropriate. I used to wear leggings... but NEVER to church. I always thought that they were too casual and that my Sunday best did not include leggings. I never really thought that it was immodest because they were always down to my calf or ankles. I would wear them with a knee-length modest, loose tunic or dress. After very recently going to the temple I realize that it is impossible to wear them over my garments even with my long dress. So now, I say that we and our daughters should imagine if we had garments already,and ask ourselves would we be able to wear leggings/tights/skinny jeans without revealing them? And if you're wearing them how we should be then, no. What is the purpose of leggings & skinny jeans anyway? The reason for leggings, tights and skinny jeans is to reveal the body shape. So with that, we should decide if that is immodest or not. But wearing a modest shirt under an immodest dress or top?? I think it's appropriate, especially with the fashion standards today it's very hard to find something modest you can wear alone. I think that when our young women wear tops/dresses with a shirt under them they're not only showing their love for the Savior to still dress modestly, but they're also making a statement to nonmembers that we can be fashionable (wearing the same tops and dresses) and still be modest!

Wow ! - Here is my take. I am a active LDS member. I am a mom and 34. I am somewhat athletic and 5'7. I think I dress nice for church. I am "that" person that buys the cute dresses with spaghetti straps that you put a shade shirt underneath, or buy the cute ruffle tank tops and buy a cute short sleeve sweater to wear with it. Please people, you can be creative and modest. I feel good, I look modest and I've gotten compliments. I have a mix of ankle length dresses and knee length dresses. I sometimes wear "Tights/leggings" with my dress because if makes me feel more modest. I don't ever think there is ANYTHING wrong with someone trying to look nice and "more" modest. My dresses are fine, when I sit my hem is right at my knee and I prefer to have more coverage so I wear my dark tights. I think they look cute with the outfit. I also have worn them with those long flow shirts. They don't show my garments and you can't see the line for my G's.My OPINION is wear them - in good taste. I think they are another accessory to help you be more modest. I'm also a happy person and like to look for the good in people.

To me it's very simple --- Leggings are incredibly tight. I don't care if they are called pants or tights.
If they are worn as pants...they are tight, therefore immodest.
If they are worn as nylons/tights...with a dress, the dress should cover the knee as usual. That's all I am concerned about. Other than that, I believe it's all personal preference.

When I was a YW Pres I was in a ward council meeting where there was a big deal made of some of our YW wearing flip-flops and some individuals wanted me to address it w/ the YW. My response was that I was struggling to keep the girls covering their tops and their midrif's. The very least of my worries was flip-flops! (Several girls came from families with inactive/non-member parents). I feel the same way about leggings. Not what I would wear, but it certainly could be much, much worse.

mmm....there's some really flawed arguments here! miniskirt with leggings - take away the leggings, therefore it's immodest. The point is the leggings are there!! Does that mean a cardigan and a sleeveless dress also becomes immodest because underneath is a sleeveless dress?! As for those embarrassed by leggings at church...I'm embarrassed we have members who look and judge instead of worshipping. Whatever happened to give them the principles and let them govern themselves. We have far too many pharisees here wishing to impose their own rules and boundaries. Our church leaders don't do it, what makes you think you can. Shame.

WOW... I think that is the only word I can think of right now. This honestly makes me SO SAD to read. I too created a login just to post in here. I am a convert to the church and would be embarrassed if my family decided to go on here and read some of your comments! What you are saying to people is basically "your not good enough to be a part of our church" blah! Just as a little example when I was first baptized I was "on fire" with the spirit. I would never ever look at someone and think "oh they shouldn't be at church" becuase of what they have on and my hope is that most of us would do the same thing. I'm also willing to bet that heavenly father isn't thinking that.... Think about it this way. If you had a child go inactive then comes to church a few years later... would you care what they had on??? I get the whole dress your best... but you are assumming everyone else shares your same standards. I've been a memeber for 5 years and still feel as though I'm learning things. This just seriously makes me sick to know that there are people out there who are so judgemental and plain rude! Also, it is toxic to blame our young women for the thoughts of men. I would much rather have a YW president, leader what have you wear leggings then put that type of guilt on their already weak self-esteems! I have seen many YM and older gals wear leggings very tastfully. Please Please Please don't forget to love your neighbors and STOP tearing other women down!!! There is such a false reality in the church sometimes of women having to be "perfect" and I can understand that feeling better after some of these comments. SO... with all the hard things going on right now I think the least of our worries should be leggings! Just love eachother as you would like to be loved and try to look at eachother as heavenly father looks at you. Sorry if my grammer is incorect I'm typing super fast b/c I'm kinda upset right now.

BTW... I remember my missionary teaching me "the church is true, people are not" I love the church with all my heart and it has been life changing for me and my family. Just saying again that some post of here make me extremely sad... Please don't judge people until you have walked in their shoes. It's not about changing your standards.... YOU do not have to wear anything YOU do not want to. We need to be better at building memebers up and not tearing them down! I'm really upset that this is even an article that was published... gesh!

Church modesty standards aside, leggings are a replacement for tights, not pants. So I think, no matter who you are (or what modesty rules you may or may not follow), you should always wear leggings with that in mind.
And so, with church standards in mind, I think they are totally fine, as long as the clothes worn over them are modest as well. Because, once again, leggings are replacing tights, not pants.

I am completely appalled at some of the comments here. I would be so embarrassed for a person who is not a member of our faith to read this thread. There is so much judging of our brothers and sisters that it makes me sad. If is not up to me to determine what my neighbor finds appropriate to wear to church, school or any other place. There is nothing wrong with dressing in stylish attractive clothing, and that can be done while being modest at the same time!!! I don't know why wearing leggings is such a hot debate. Isn't it essentially the same as wearing a t-shirt under a tank top, a longer shirt under a shorter one or a jacket over a slightly revealing shirt? Now, I'm not saying that everyone needs to agree with my views on modesty, but nobody has the right to tell anybody else what to wear, whether they are "holy" or not, if their clothing is appropriate to wear to the temple, chruch or grocery store. Let's all see each other as brothers and sisters in the gospel and not see each other only by what we are wearing.

I agree fully with what Pgd and Emilym and a few others said; as someone who loves the Church and would like to see my friends join, I find this discussion an embarrassment. Why do we have to be so judgmental? What are we, a bunch of Pharisees? I'd much rather see girls and women in leggings coming to church to learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ than staying home because they feel unwelcome.

My heart is breaking a little bit over this discussion. I honestly believe that if Jesus Himself visited an LDS ward this weekend, He would come to church dressed in ragged jeans, a t-shirt, and birkenstocks -- just to remind us that what a person wears must have no bearing on how we regard them or treat them.
The thing that really makes me pause is when I ask myself how would *I* treat Him if I didn't know it was Him and He was dressed that way? And yet...hasn't He said that inasmuch as I have done it unto one of the least of these, I have done it unto Him?
Samuel 16:7: For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
We have a lot to repent for, friends.

Wow, quite a lot of comments. It is a POLL people, not a judging contest. I agree with many of the posts on here and disagree with others. My personal opinion is that I think leggings can be too casual to wear to church or the temple. I am 48 and I have a pair that I wear with a long sweater that comes mid-knee. I am not heavy (although I used to be) and not tiny either. Sometimes it IS downright cold and I am not opposed to wearing some tights or leggings with boots under a skirt or dress. I personally do not feel comfortable wearing leggings to church but see the reasons why others might. They DO feel more casual and I would tend to agree that they are more like pants than tights. I would wear them under a skirt that covers my behind, and then some, but that might show my garments when I sit down. Just as I might wear a camisole or tank top under a top that is more revealing than I feel is modest. I wholeheartedly agree with those who say that modesty is not just about your outer appearance but has to do with your attitudes, actions, and inner commitment to the Lord. I don't think that wearing leggings is a question of right or wrong, I think that it is the spirit in which we wear them (to show off the figure, make an outfit more modest, keep warm, to get away with wearing very short skirts, etc.). Anyway, that is just my two cents. I hope we will certainly not judge others just because of the way they choose to dress, even if it isn't to "our" standards.

From a man's point of view: Leggings are fine as long as they compliment a nice outfit that would meet Church modesty standards without them. Jeggings are another matter. I see very attractive young ladies jogging or otherwise in public with these things and I cringe. I want to make my children look the other way. Jeggings are as tight and sheer (not necessarily meaning 'see through', but revealing) as a pair of panties. When you step out of the shower, stand straight and look at yourself in the mirror. When you wear jeggings, I see EVERYTHING you see except the color of your hair down there. Please, I have a hard enough time keeping my thoughts in line. I don't need that distraction. Please, cover up.

Ok so I've read the majority of the comments and I have to wonder about something. According to For the Strength of Youth, BYU code, our youth's Dance cards, etc. wearing leggings/jeggings are immodest and wearing skirts above the knee are immodest; why would we put the two together? Does that make it modest now? You know what I'm going to say: Does two wrongs make a right? Does two immodest pieces of clothing put together make it modest now?

I'm newly pregnant with my 5 child and I've decided that I'm not going to spend my whole pregnancy pulling my pants up! I live in the Midwest (not a lot of Mormons here) and legging are a huge part of the dress culture. However, all of my non lds friends that do wear legging do wear them tastefully and very much non siductive

Oops! I didn't mean to submit that last post!
Anyways...having visited Utah recently my impression with leggings there was that they are cute but not modest compared to my non lds friends! I think there is a way to wear them modestly. Just like there is a way to wear jeans modestly. Let's face it who wears baggy jeans now days? All jeans are somewhat form fitting. I was very surprised to see leggings worn at church in Utah. I've never seen that here. If you're going to wear leggings as pants then come to the bible belt :)

Can I just say - WHO CARES what people are wearing to church. Can we just be happy for them that they are attending church and not judge them for what they are wearing? "Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning," doesn't have the lyrics "except if you are wearing leggings..." What kind of example does this set for our daughters. Are they going to start picking apart the outfits of other young women at mutual and making them feel uncomfortable? If all of you truly have the class that you claim to have you wouldn't be trashing everyone else for their outfit choices.

As far as leggings go . . . to each his own. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with women wearing pants to church. It is not traditional mormon-wear, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. I think women should be able to feel comfortable wearing nice pants to church, especially women who serve in the nursery.

I, too, am one that created an account just to comment here. I find it humorous that some feel compelled to 'call-out' others on judging when they themselves are judging too. No one can determine the reasons a person does not like leggings or likes to wear them to church or feels their "skin crawling" when they see someone wearing them at church from a small snip'it of a comment on here. Only Heavenly Father knows the heart. I am a convert. I grew up in another faith where wearing pants was a sin, short sleeves and swimsuits was a sin. I was a bit shocked when I first joined the church and found the modesty standards were not as strict as the religion I had grown-up in. To be honest, I was a bit relieved wearing pants was OK. I was told before I joined the Temple garments help with modesty and should not be seen outside of our clothing. If they are covered then we are modest. I thought that was nice. Now I only wear dresses to church. I will say one thing I learned of value regarding modesty in my last religion I carried over with me into the church. When purchasing clothing we were taught to jump around, bend over in front of a mirror two-ways, and try to recreate any normal and maybe some awkward exaggerated movements in front of a mirror to see if the clothing was modest in all kinds of activity. Sometimes a shirt/dress was modest standing, but not bending over. Also, bending over would often reveal more of the backside then we'd want to be seen. It really helps. I will say while reading these comments all 'for' and 'against' that I learned a lot. I am grateful for the comment about little girls in Primary wearing leggings for modesty and to keep from showing their "hoo-hoos". I got an idea to buy them, but cut them shorter to make them seem like a garment to prepare my daughters for wearing a garment one day. Don't think if someone else does not feel to do this I think badly of them. I just thought I would share my idea in case someone might like it too. I, too, believe in teaching them modesty at a young age. Thanks again for the reminder of it's better to be in church with what you have then what you don't have...what's Sunday best for one is not the same for someone else. I appreciate this attitude since I have been wearing the same dress to church every Sunday for the last 6 years. One last thing, I really liked the story of the mother's example in teaching how to make skirts. My non-LDS mother taught me a valuable lesson as a child about people who do or say or even think things they should not...."Let's pray for them." What else can we do but be the example and pray for others? Personally, I never gave this issue much thought until I read this article. Like I said before, I did learn a lot reading it and the comments. Thanks again.

Leggings can certainly take an otherwise immodest outfit into the realm of modesty. I have some dresses that I wear as tops with leggings. However I differ from the current generation in that I do NOT wear them to church. I repeat, these styles are not appropriate for church. Worried about whether something is modest enough for church? Wear a longer skirt. Yes, a longer skirt. Stop wearing those miniskirts to church, period. I just saw another teenager wearing a miniskirt with leggings this Sunday, and I thought, "Well, at least she knows that what she's got on is immodest." But is that really a dress, then, or is it a casual weekday outfit? It's not the former. Oh, yes, better to wear the leggings than nothing at all under a skirt that's too short (which many female members of my church do, even the adults, revealing their garments, no less, at times that it could easily be avoided by dressing modestly in the first place). If it's a weekday, go ahead and wear a dress as a top with leggings. But if it's Sunday, wear a longer skirt. A longer skirt! (Do I have to say it again? A LONGER skirt!)

I think leggings are cute with an appropriate outfit. I don't necessarily think that means a skirt that is to the knee, i have a couple cute dresses that go just above the knee i couldn't wear it by its self not if i wanted to move and not send a little flash of my garmen :-) but it is a matter of inches that are easily covered by cute mid calf leggings. There is plenty left to the imagination...the dress is flowy and modestly cute and just needs a bit more like wearing a cami under a v neck shirt. Would i show off my girlish or not so girlish thighs no matter what size i might be, in leggings? no i would not. i do think they are too tight to be pants without a descent length tunic or dress or skirt. I also personally think they are too casual for church weather and circumstances permitting. As a member of the young women's presidency we have talked to the girls and discussed what they think and how they use tools of modesty. I truly am grateful for a fashion trend like leggings and layering that allows our girls to wear some of the cute fashions with tees or camis or leggings to make them modest. There are always ways to use things appropriately and ways not to. No matter the tool. It is amazing the fashions, even for my 1 yr old, almost all of them are sleeveless or spaghetti strap but with current fashions paired with a cute ruffle sleeved onsie so cute and absolutely modest! While we have a responsibilty to teach our children both verbally and by example as well as those we have been called to serve like our youth etc... we are also cautioned extensively not to judge those we have not been given a responsibility to serve and teach. in conference we were reminded by President Uchdorf "don't judge me because i sin differently than you"

I totally agree with wearing them along with a modest skirt length. I think LDS girls try to be flirty thinking they're being modest when the skirt length is just too short. I like the comment about "how would you feel if the Prophet walked in". I try to use "what if the savior visited".

I don't know if it has been said or not yet. Sorry I didn't want to read 100+ comments. With the poll about wearing with skirt or shorts, I think it depends more on the tightness than the length with shorts. With skirts, unless they are just above the knee and basically modest anyway I think that it is inappropriate, especially at church where we should look our best. I like to wear leggings to stay warmer. I wear them with my holey jeans for a splash of pink and so I don't show my knee or garments through the holes. I think this is fun and makes me much warmer in the winter. I also think it is unfair that boys should be so warm in their suits but we freeze and get our legs splashed in our skirts hence the leggins for warmth idea under skirts. I also use this idea for my toddler.

As a side note, I'm only 22 and remember quite well how it was to be a teenager. I think if you just ask teens to tell you how they feel in immodest clothes and really listen and talk it through, they most likely won't want to wear things that are truly immodest. I remember even with leggings pulling on my miniskirt over it and feeling uncomfortable. Yes I thought I looked "hot", but I was way more uncomfortable when my semi in active sister borrowed it and wore it without leggings. This clinched it for me and I gave it to Good will.

I guess my bishop said it best when he said "no woman has the right to wear clothing that would lead the men of the church astray. When they look at what you wear and they are uncomfortable, then it is inappropriate."
We have women coming to church in miniskirts and leggings and many of our men feel uncomfortable. Some of us are related to men who are fighting the addiction of pornography and such clothing - tight, sexy, "cute" causes their eyes to wander where we really don't want mens eyes to wander. Not all have this problem but you would be surprised how many do.
I had Don J Black as a seminary teacher and his lesson on watching where the eyes go of the men who are watching you had a dramatic impact on how I wore my clothing. Just because the skin is covered doesn't mean the clothing is modest. Skin tight is about the same as wearing paint. All you do is add a layer of color. When every bulge and crease can be seen through the fabric it is not modest.
What we choose to wear is an advertisement of ourselves. We are telling people what we think of ourselves, our relationships, our culture and our beliefs. We are telling people what we are willing to accept and what we are willing to give. When we wear tight or miniscule clothing we are giving "free tastes" to everyone. We are telling others we are amenable to taking risks and open to flattery. I have a son who just got out of prison for sexting with a young lady under 18. (His affair was not a crime) One of his comments was that the clothing girls wore told him if they were approachable. This young lady was "modest" but her clothes were all tight. You know the layered tees.
Was it all her fault? Absolutely not!!! But her clothing was a factor in what happened. Girls in looser, modest clothing were never even approached for what he had in mind. No wonder he didn't want to go on a mission. Clean cut, charming, friendly, good looking, and out for everything he could get. Leggings? He loved them. Holey jeans? Yup. Especially when the cuts were higher. They are like a teaser.

I think it's interesting that other "inappropriate for church" items are being brought up as well. If one has ever lived in or visited very warm, humid climates then it is strikng what is considered appropriate for church versus the intermountain west. I would not dream of wearing anything but flip flops when it's been raining for 24 hours straight. I don't have the budget to replace my "church shoes" that often. I do have a couple of pretty pairs of flip flops that I generally save for church. Also, tee shirts and cotton skirts with no hose are best when it is 95 degrees and 95 percent humidity. And the men don't wear suits, just white shirts, khakis, and ties. Visitors are always easy to spot. They're usually overdressed and melting. Bless their hearts :)

I do not have a problem with them being worn under a skirt that is too short as long as the leggings are not see through. They have too be of the thicker material. As for the comments about them being too casual for church well I don't think Heavenly Father is going to kick you out for wearing flip flops and leggings. Case in point is that I have a 16 yr old daughter that doesn't even want to go to church. It is a struggle to keep her active, so if she wants to wear her leggings under her jean skirt with her flip flops or converse I am going to let her because the more important matter is that she will go to church with me if she wears that and feel comfortable. I would rather someone show up in their flip flops than not come because they don't have the right pair of shoes.
We also need to make sure those people that wear these items to church aren't ostracized because of it. Which is more important. That people wear the appropriate attire to church or that they come to church and learn the gospel?

I must add to my previous comment that my too short of a skirt is not a skirt that barely covers your behind because I would not allow her to purchase that in the first place. But a skirt that is a little above the knees.

I leave in Brazil, a place where pleople show too much and dress too little.
Anyway, modesty should be the same everywhere... I workout at home and I own many pairs of leggings. I wear them at home with just a shirt over it... Nobody sees me and I don't feel confortable going out wearing just leggings not having any other cover
To me, If I wear a "thicker" legging with a long shirt it is the same as if I wore my long shirt with a pair of jeans... (people can call them short dresses, but to me they are longer shirts). This Shirts don't go all the way to the knee, but they cover up enough so I don't feel I am showing my body... I feel completly modest.
In this case, the leggings show the same shape that a pair of jeans would...
In the other hand... I don't feel it is apropiate to wear leggings with very short skirts or shorts, for me what matters is what you are communicating with the way you dress and it would only suggest you are not happy having to avoid some inapropiate clothes. =)

Modesty is not just a teen problem. I observe plenty of adults immodestly dressed. One trend I have sadly noticed is how prevalent it is for expectant mothers to wear clothing so tight, short, and low cut as to even show their protruding belly buttons clearly along with plenty of cleavage. These are temple endowed wives. Maybe I am old fashoned, but I do not think it becoming to see the details of one's body because of their tight, low cut, or too short clothing. I think modesty can be achieved with many kinds of dress choices. It is all in how tight, short, sleeveless, and low cut the outfit is not necessarily what kind of outfit it is.

Are leggings modest is a good question to ask yourself. I currently don't own any leggins, but this winter I am definitely considering getting several pairs. I went to church very little this winter because it was so cold. I do not have a car so I would have to walk. The cold air temperatures causes the metal of my artificial knee replacement to ache and hurt almost unbearably. I liked the comments of sisters who live in colder climates who had to walk or use public transportation to get to church and how leggings helped to keep them warm. I think this year I will try some leggings wearing modest length clothing to help keep my knees warm so that I can attend church more often this winter. I think this question has brought up some important areas that need to be considered by each person as to what is beautiful, tasteful and most important modest.

There is a big difference between trying our best given our circumstances and justifying our best. I think the sisters who serve in any General Presidency set a great example of modest clothing and it doesn't matter where they are on assignments or what the climate is they always stay as close to the standards the Church have outlined. These should be our role models for dress not what you see on catwalks or in fashion magazines. Are leggings immodest? I guess it all depends on how they are worn, with mini skirts? Yes with tight tops? Yes if it's to help aid a skirt that just reaches the knee then no should they be worn to church definitely not? Us sisters need to recognise our dress is a reflection on our understanding of being a Daughter of God. I'm not judging anyone but I have never met a sister in the Church who didn't wear true modest clothing that didn't have a deep understanding or knowledge of them being a Daughter of God.

As a general rule, I think leggings are fine.I think you could wear them with a skirt that falls above the knee, and still be modest. However, I would not wear them to church. They are too casual for Sunday meetings.

"Like I said, you have to ask yourself if you would feel comfortable if the prophet walked in the room."
We were made & born naked, so really I don't see the need to be ashamed of your body or nakedness if the prophet walked in the room! Unfortunately, we have greatly sexualized women (and teenagers, and little girls) bodies and perverted the true functions of breasts, and that's where the trouble starts. Studies have shown women think about sex just as often (if not more often!) than men do, and we need to call them and each other accountable for encouraging the sexualization of minors. If an 8 year old were to show up to church butt naked I wouldn't even have a problem with it so long as the weather wasn't cold. They are there to worship and love the lord, and that's all that should count.

WOW...it's things like this that make my skin crawl...this seems like such a trivial debate to me!!! If someone feels comfortable wearing leggings then they should without being JUDGED!!! That is THE main problem with the church as we know it today...everyone is in competition to see who can be the better "Mormon"...I personally don't care if someone comes to church in their dirty old overalls and goes outside for a smoke break in between meetings...you know why because that's none of MY business...that's between him and our savior!!! I heard a comment in relief society the other day that makes me say to myself over and over its not the people it's the church it's not the people it's the church...as we were discussing ways we could be an example to other people particularly nonmembers a lady spoke up and stated how she couldn't stand how the members of our church that "weren't doing what they were supposed to" we're giving us all a bad name...REALLY!!! I want us all to think about what she just said there!!! Whose place is it to judge who is doing the right thing and who isn't!!! Let's focus on being more tolerant and appreciative of others and not so much on weather we should be wearing leggings or not to church...give me a break!!!!